Things to be worried about in Texas this week

This week Houston's stanky tap water was the talk of the town as we found that more people drink city tap water than we previously thought. We also learned that Dallas has more billioniares than we do, but hey, we have more skyscrapers so that makes us infinitely better than them.

By Craig Hlavaty

on June 26, 2014 11:00 AM

Photo: Michael D. Brockway/Special to the Chronicle

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Stanky water blues

If your City Of Houston tap water has been tasting funny lately, there is a reason for that. In a statement, the city said the odor and taste was a result of "increased levels of a
naturally-occurring compound in our upstream surface water supplies" and
that the water is safe to drink. You might want to add some lemon for taste though. less

If your City Of Houston tap water has been tasting funny lately, there is a reason for that. In a statement, the city said the odor and taste was a result of "increased levels of a
naturally-occurring ... more

Photo: Naumoid, Getty Images/iStockphoto

If your City Of Houston tap water has been tasting funny lately,... Photo-6506928.87374 - Houston Chronicle

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Some poor person is a millionaire and doesn't know it

A $12 million Texas lottery ticket sold at a Shell convenience store on New Year's Day in League City is still unclaimed six months later.
If not claimed by Monday, June 30, the ticket will expire and the winner
will lose the prize. less

A $12 million Texas lottery ticket sold at a Shell convenience store on New Year's Day in League City is still unclaimed six months later.
If not claimed by Monday, June 30, the ticket will expire and the ... more

Photo: Tony Gutierrez, STF

A $12 million Texas lottery ticket sold at a Shell convenience... Photo-5020604.87374 - Houston Chronicle

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Dallas wins this round

Dallas has more billionaires than we do, but we have more skyscrapers. Does that make us sort of even in a crazy Freudian way?

Dallas has more billionaires than we do, but we have more skyscrapers. Does that make us sort of even in a crazy Freudian way?

Photo: Brandon Wade, Associated Press

Dallas has more billionaires than we do, but we have more... Photo-6479161.87374 - Houston Chronicle

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At least we'll be ready for the Apocalypse, right?

The Lone Star State has 2,029 museums and 877 libraries, according the
Institute of Museum and Library Sciences, and 5,680 Federal Firearm
Licensees, which includes traditional gun stores, sporting goods and
other stores that sale firearms such as WalMart, pawn shops and private
or individual retailers. less

The Lone Star State has 2,029 museums and 877 libraries, according the
Institute of Museum and Library Sciences, and 5,680 Federal Firearm
Licensees, which includes traditional gun stores, sporting goods ... more

Austin swimmers will be able to jump into Barton Springs' chilly
waters once more after the famous swimming spot underwent almost $4.5
million in renovations. Austin's about to smell a lot better. The bad news: retro swimwear is back in style. less

Austin swimmers will be able to jump into Barton Springs' chilly
waters once more after the famous swimming spot underwent almost $4.5
million in renovations. Austin's about to smell a lot better. The bad ... more

Photo: Michael D. Brockway, Special To The Chronicle

Austin swimmers will be able to jump into Barton Springs'... Photo-1378017.87374 - Houston Chronicle

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Going hogwild

A food preservative used in bacon may be the next option used by Texas in order to combat the state's massive feral hog problem. Mankind's lust for irony knows no bounds. Wait, will this affect the taste of the pig's meat? less

A food preservative used in bacon may be the next option used by Texas in order to combat the state's massive feral hog problem. Mankind's lust for irony knows no bounds. Wait, will this affect the taste of the ... more

Photo: John Schmidt, AP

A food preservative used in bacon may be the next option used by... Photo-6514801.87374 - Houston Chronicle

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Schaub's palace is up for sale

Former Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub has listed his Houston home for sale for $4.29 million. Maybe some crazed Texans fans will buy it just to burn it down. (We're not endorsing or condoning that.)

Former Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub has listed his Houston home for sale for $4.29 million. Maybe some crazed Texans fans will buy it just to burn it down. (We're not endorsing or condoning that.)

With the lush, humid conditions in Texas, the Lone Star State is home to countless botanical wonders. But just because it's vegetation, doesn't make it edible. From a simple upset stomach to taking a permanent dirt nap (if you catch our drift), one false bite can put your body in harm's way. In fact, consuming just a single seed from one of these plants can kill a person.

So if you were planning on eating some flowers this weekend, you probably shouldn't. less

With the lush, humid conditions in Texas, the Lone Star State is home to countless botanical wonders. But just because it's vegetation, doesn't make it edible.
From a simple upset stomach to taking a permanent ... more

Photo: Doug Finger, ASSOCIATED PRESS

With the lush, humid conditions in Texas, the Lone Star State is... Photo-1169145.87374 - Houston Chronicle

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Tex-mex heaven, waistline hell

The good news: Houston has more Mexican restaurants than we know what to do with. The bad news: There is no bad news.

The good news: Houston has more Mexican restaurants than we know what to do with. The bad news: There is no bad news.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

The good news: Houston has more Mexican restaurants than we know... Photo-5922880.87374 - Houston Chronicle